Name: Apple Dumplings with Spiced Brown Sugar Filling and Apple Cider Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 recipe homemade pie crust, or 1 box (14.1 ounces) store-bought pie crust; 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided; ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Apple Dumplings with Spiced Brown Sugar Filling and Apple Cider Sauce Recipe. These charming little parcels bring together tart Granny Smith apples nestled in a flaky pie crust, filled with butter, brown sugar, and warming spices, all bathed in a luscious apple cider sauce. It’s like your favorite apple pie transformed into individual servings, perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There are six baked round pastries in a white rectangular dish, each wrapped with golden-brown folded dough with cracks and uneven layers on top. The pastries sit in a thick, shiny light brown sauce that pools at the bottom of the dish, giving a wet look around the pastries. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with two whole red apples and one sliced apple nearby. A beige cloth is partly visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy with this Apple Dumplings with Spiced Brown Sugar Filling and Apple Cider Sauce Recipe. Each component plays a key role—from the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples to the buttery flakiness of the crust and the fragrant warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Apple cider (2 cups): Creates the rich, sweet sauce that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the sauce perfectly without overpowering the natural apple tartness.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons total): Adds lush richness both inside the apple core and in the sauce.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the apple cider sauce with a gentle, fragrant sweetness.
Pie crust (1 homemade recipe or store-bought 14.1 ounces): Provides the flaky, golden wrapper for the apples, essential for that comforting texture.
Granny Smith apples (6 medium): Their perfect tartness balances the sweet filling beautifully.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings caramel notes and moisture to the spiced filling.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the filling’s spice profile.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the spices with its subtle, earthy aroma.
Vanilla ice cream (for serving): The ideal cool and creamy companion to these warm apple dumplings.

How to Make Apple Dumplings with Spiced Brown Sugar Filling and Apple Cider Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider Sauce

Start by combining apple cider, granulated sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it all to a gentle boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce just right. Finish it off with a splash of vanilla extract, and set the sauce aside—this will become the luscious bath your dumplings soak in during baking.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Get your oven warmed up to 400°F (200°C) and spritz a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Having this ready means you’re all set to assemble and bake without a pause, keeping your process smooth and stress-free.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut Pie Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll your pie dough into a large rectangle about 24×16 inches and a quarter-inch thick. Cut it into six equal squares, roughly 8×8 inches each. These will be your charming apple housings, so try to keep them evenly sized for even baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Apples

Peel and core each Granny Smith apple, then place one in the center of each dough square. Fill the hollow heart of each apple with a tablespoon of softened butter. This buttery nugget will melt into the fruit, making every bite rich and luscious.

Step 5: Make the Spiced Brown Sugar Filling

In a small bowl, mix together light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture evenly over and inside the apples. The spices and sugar create a beautifully aromatic, deeply flavorful filling that caramelizes as it bakes.

Step 6: Wrap and Seal the Dumplings

Moisten the edges of each dough square lightly with water. Fold the dough carefully around each apple, pressing firmly to seal all the edges. This step locks in all the juicy filling and keeps the sauce from escaping during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Dumplings

Place your wrapped apples neatly into the greased baking dish. Pour the prepared apple cider sauce over the dumplings, making sure they’re nicely coated. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to start, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, serve your dumplings warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and spoon over extra apple cider sauce for a truly decadent experience.

How to Serve Apple Dumplings with Spiced Brown Sugar Filling and Apple Cider Sauce Recipe

A golden-brown mini apple pie sits on a white plate, with a scoop of creamy white vanilla ice cream melting on top, dripping down the sides. The pie crust looks flaky and slightly glossy with some darker baked spots, and the bottom crust peeks out with a shiny, juicy filling. In the background, another similar pie is on a white plate, along with a few shiny red apples on a white marbled surface. The warm lighting adds a cozy feel to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Think beyond just the ice cream! A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives a pretty, snowy finish. Fresh mint leaves can offer a pop of color and a touch of brightness to cut through the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These apple dumplings shine as a dessert but also pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like spiced chai tea or a mug of hot apple cider to keep the cozy vibes going. For an after-dinner gathering, light cheese boards with sharp cheddar can be a surprisingly delightful contrast to the sweet spiced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the dumplings individually in charming ramekins or rustic wooden bowls for a homey look. Drizzle extra apple cider sauce around the plate like a dessert “sauce painting” for an elegant touch. For festive occasions, dust with edible gold flakes or cinnamon sticks on the side for a beautifully styled presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust might soften a bit, but reheating them carefully brings back some of that original flaky charm.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked apple dumplings by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen (add 10-15 minutes to baking time) for a fresh-from-the-oven treat anytime.

Reheating

Reheat your dumplings in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warm and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust flaky; the oven will resurrect all those lovely textures.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness and firmness, but you can experiment with varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just make sure whatever apple you choose holds up well to baking without turning mushy.

Is it okay to use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works wonderfully here if you want to save time. Just roll it out as directed and follow the recipe. Homemade crust adds a personal touch, but convenience is key sometimes!

Can I make the apple cider sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Warm it gently before pouring over the dumplings to preserve its silky texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to serve these dumplings for a party?

Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream in individual plates or ramekins. Offer extra sauce in a small pitcher so guests can add as much as they like. Garnish with nuts or cinnamon sticks for extra flair.

Can I substitute the brown sugar filling with something else?

You could try a mix of honey and spices or even maple syrup with a pinch of cloves for a different flavor profile, but the brown sugar is classic and keeps the balance just right in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Apple Dumplings with Spiced Brown Sugar Filling and Apple Cider Sauce Recipe enough if you’re looking for a comforting, show-stopping dessert that feels like a festive hug from the inside out. This recipe is straightforward, yields beautiful results, and fills your kitchen with the most intoxicating aromas. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious slice of cozy happiness!